Welcome to the Breaking Through Therapy charity podcast, where we raise money for NHS Charities Together. This pod is sponsored by Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice and Rooms for Therapists.
This is the only podcast that supports you to come on the show with your therapist, at least one year later, to talk about the breakthroughs you made along your journey, and its impact on your life ever since. So this is the mental wellness podcast for people interested in having talking therapy, professionals who deliver talking therapy - and everyone in between!
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Trauma Therapy: How To Thrive and Break The Silence of Child Sex Abuse
Season 1 · Episode 4
Friday, January 10, 2025 • Duration 38:46
In this truly inspiring episode, Dr. Esther Cole interviews Anna and Dr. Claire Plumbly, Clinical Psychologist. Dr Claire, specialist in trauma, sexual assault and burnout, helps Anna process experiences of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), following the birth of her fourth child, and a stressful return to work. Dissociation, flashbacks and anxiety from trauma initially left Anna mute, unable to find words or to understand the triggers.
Journey on a conversation built on the neuroscience of trauma, how our brains and minds work; and creative approaches Dr Claire and Anna use together to help her recover from trauma. Techniques include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), narrative writing, sensory therapies, and a spectacular spin on the TV series “Dr Who”.
Anna shares how her own therapy helped her to empower other survivors, of all ages, to thrive in her creative workshops. As her first therapist in 2017, Dr. Claire started Anna on a path of self-discovery, meaning making and one of embracing undiagnosed autism. Are we ever “cured”, or are we in a TARDIS of life-long learning?
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Breaking Through Therapy podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health, therapy breakthroughs and resilience. Help us spread the word by sharing this episode and supporting NHS Charities Together!
Men’s Groups: How to Survive Childhood Sexual Assault and Overcome Addictions
Season 1 · Episode 3
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 • Duration 53:40
In this compelling episode of Breaking Through Therapy, Dr. Esther Cole interviews James and his therapist, Beth Ashley-Smith, to discuss the profound impact of men’s inpatient groups in recovering from addictions, and healing from childhood sexual assault.
James shares his brave journey of confronting this traumatic event from his childhood, which shaped his relationships, and fuelled his struggles with depression and substance misuse. With the support of therapy and a dedicated men’s group, he found the courage to face his past, embrace vulnerability, and rediscover joy and authenticity, in a supportive Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community.
Beth Ashley-Smith offers valuable insights into therapeutic approaches which include Spirituality; and models like Internal Family Systems (IFS), which guide clients in understanding and balancing their inner emotional dynamics and competing needs.
James shares how he learned to relinquish the need for control, a coping mechanism born from trauma; and how he found a path to healing, personal growth, and self-discovery, including embracing his neurodiversity.
Episode Themes -
Childhood Sexual Trauma: The long-term impact and the challenges of addressing buried memories.
Addiction Recovery: The process of healing and rebuilding self-trust.
Therapy and Vulnerability: The critical role of individual and group therapeutic relationships and community support.
Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the stigma, encouraging open discussions and sponsoring other men in AA communities.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Breaking Through Therapy podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health, therapy breakthroughs and resilience. Help us spread the word by sharing this episode and supporting NHS Charities Together!
Psychotherapy: How You Overcome Trauma, Binge Eating and Risky Weight Loss Surgery
Season 1 · Episode 2
Sunday, November 10, 2024 • Duration 55:45
In this transformative episode of Breaking Through Therapy, we explore Claire’s journey of resilience and post-traumatic growth following life-threatening bariatric surgery. UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and nutrition and lifestyle therapist, Joanna Oates, was able to help Claire understand that binge eating was connected to a number of very traumatic events since childhood, including sexual assault.
Claire shares her powerful story, navigating the emotional landscape, delving into past traumas and finding healthier coping mechanisms. Joanna Oates helps Claire confront her relationship with food, and emotional triggers, highlighting the profound insights and breakthroughs she achieved during therapy.
Through innovative therapeutic exercises, including a “food and mood diary” and a cathartic lifeline exercise, which charts weights and dates, Claire discovers the roots of her emotional eating and reclaims control over her life.
From a profound journey of self-discovery during the COVID-19 lockdown, to pursuing a newfound culinary passion, Claire's story captures the resilience and brilliance of the human spirit, and power of the client-therapist relationship.
This episode is an inspiring exploration of the intersection of trauma, eating disorders, mental well-being, and the joy of cooking. Tune in as we uncover the healing power of self-compassion, personal boundaries, and culinary empowerment, particularly for those with neurodiverse feeding requirements.
Memorable Quotes
"Therapy isn't just about healing; it's about discovering the strength to reshape your life." Joanna Oates
"Our relationship with food can be our greatest teacher when we learn to listen with compassion." Claire
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health, resilience and the client-therapist relationship.
Please give generously to NHS Charities Together via our Just Giving page:
CBT: How to Treat You for Work Stress, Grief and Social Anxiety
Season 1 · Episode 1
Thursday, October 10, 2024 • Duration 46:43
In this episode of Breaking Through Therapy, for NHS Charities Together, we are joined by the world-class, internationally trained Health Psychologist, Dr. Joy Wong, and her client, Kate. They discuss the power of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to overcome various life challenges.
Discover how Dr. Joy’s application of CBT techniques, including mindfulness imagery & visualisation, reframing thoughts, breathing and behavioural exercises helped Kate manage work stress, grief, sleep issues, and social anxiety.
About Dr. Joy Wong
Dr. Joy is a highly experienced Health Psychologist specializing in CBT. She received her education and training in the UK, USA, and in Hong Kong. Her passion for understanding human behaviour led her to further her studies in suicidal and self-harm behaviours in young people.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Joy has helped numerous clients improve their mental health and overall well-being. She enjoys working with people, from all walks of life, who are motivated to get better and achieve their therapeutic goals. You can book sessions with Dr. Wong at Lifespan Psychology by visiting https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk/team/dr-joy-wong. She looks forward to connecting with new clients and embarking on a journey towards positive change together.
Welcome to the Breaking Through Therapy charity podcast, where we raise money for NHS Charities Together. This pod is sponsored by Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice and Rooms for Therapists.
This is the only podcast that supports you to come on the show with your therapist, at least one year later, to talk about the breakthroughs you made along your journey, and its impact on your life ever since. So this is the mental wellness podcast for people interested in having talking therapy, professionals who deliver talking therapy - and everyone in between!
ACT: How You Manage the Fatigue Monster of Long COVID
Season 1 · Episode 8
Saturday, May 10, 2025 • Duration 38:00
Join us as we explore the complex journey of Long COVID recovery in this fascinating episode using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr Cole brings a fellow member of the Long COVID fatigue management group she attended on the show - “Mabel”. Together with Dr. Georgia Parratt, a Specialist Clinical Psychologist who facilitated the group, they discuss the emotional and physical hurdles Mabel faced, and how the group provided crucial coping strategies and support.
Mabel, who experienced the virus during the pandemic's first wave, shares her story of resilience and adaptation. They explore how she navigated the challenges of Long COVID, and repeated bouts of COVID, all while facing a lack of awareness and support until 2023.
By letting go of a tug of war with the Long COVID fatigue monster, we learn to prioritise time for self-care and recovery. These practices can lead to greater long-term productivity and well-being.
Dr. Georgia Parratt guides us through effective strategies for managing symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue using ACT. Mabel shares her personal experience of balancing identity with health struggles, and the importance of planning, pacing, and prioritising daily activities.
Through personal stories, the trio uncover the common struggles of feeling misunderstood and unsupported, and the power of community in offering validation and reducing isolation. This is a must listen for anyone experiencing respiratory illnesses and those caring for, or offering treatment to, others living with chronic conditions.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health and resilience.
Nutrition: Why You Must Test Your Omega 6:3 Ratio Before Major Illness Sets In
Season 1 · Episode 7
Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 44:36
In this fascinating episode, we explore the profound relationship between nutritional therapy, mental and physical well-being. Health Entrepreneur, Dave Ives, joins us to discuss the root causes and solutions for chronic inflammation. “Rachel”, a resilient heart attack survivor, shares her transformative journey of healing; one that challenged conventional medicine and highlighted the power of personalised nutrition for all of us.
Despite being active, fit, and health-conscious, in 2017 Rachel underwent emergency heart surgery and was fitted with three stents. It was a wake-up call that led her to deeply investigate what had gone wrong beneath the surface, when she’d invested over £20k on supplements in her lifetime.
Together, we delve into everything from the underestimated dangers of inflammation in the body, to the nuanced balance between omega-6 and -3 (hint: they’re like the accelerator and brake of your body’s inflammatory responses!).
Learn why your diet, genetics and absorption rates matter more than you might think, and how omega 6:3 ratio testing can guide your wellness choices and personalised nutrition.
Whether you're curious about preventative medicine, seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical treatments, or exploring how nutrition intersects with mental health, this episode is packed with tools for resilience, renewal, and real change. Ending with an exploration of childhood nutrition and the increased diagnosis of emotional and neurodevelopment disorders in childhood, this episode is a masterclass in preventative healthcare.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health and resilience.
Inner Child: Regaining Your Power After Birth Trauma and Post-Natal Depression
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, March 10, 2025 • Duration 43:33
Join us for a heartfelt exploration of a profound and challenging journey through birth trauma and post-natal depression. In this powerful episode of Breaking Through Therapy, Dr. Esther Cole is joined by Integrative Psychotherapist, Cris Prade, and special guest “Kaly". Kaly courageously shares how she navigates birth trauma, post-natal depression, and deep healing through connecting with a lost inner child in 2018.
Kaly explores the pain of surviving life-threatening pre-eclampsia, the emotional and physical toll it took on her, and the breakthroughs she made with Cris’s therapeutic guidance.
In a truly inspiring way, Kaly’s story of overcoming birth trauma and pre-eclampsia is testament to resilience and hope, as she resources herself for the complexities of two successful births, despite the fear and uncertainty that surrounded them. The second successful birth in 2024, Kaly believes would not have been possible without Cris’ guidance, in the post-natal period, several years before.
Through raw honesty and professional insights, this episode sheds light on the mental health challenges new mothers can face, the trauma and stigma surrounding post-natal depression, and the importance of compassionate therapy and self-reflection in finding a way forward beyond suicidal thoughts.
The conversation highlights the critical role of a robust support system, involving family and healthcare providers, in helping new mothers through such overwhelming experiences. By sharing these stories, we aim to inspire and empower other parents who might be facing similar challenges.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health and resilience.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, share this episode and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health and resilience. This podcast supports NHS Charities Together, funding projects to improve healthcare for all. Donate the cost of a therapy session or whatever you can -
Spirituality: How To Stay Sober with PTSD from War and Natural Disasters
Season 1 · Episode 5
Monday, February 10, 2025 • Duration 46:00
How do you stay sober for years after tsunami and war-related PTSD? In this powerful episode of Breaking Through Therapy, host Dr. Esther Cole sits down with Beth Ashley-Smith, a psychotherapist specialising in trauma, addiction, and ADHD; and her former client, “Rob”, a journalist and war correspondent who battled PTSD, alcohol addiction, anger and suicidal intent.
Rob shares his deeply personal journey from witnessing mass casualties as a journalist in Thailand in the tsunami of 2004, to losing himself in addiction and anger; and ultimately finding hope through therapy, 12-step fellowship groups, and spirituality.
Beth and Dr. Cole explore the complexities of PTSD, the stigma surrounding male mental health, and the challenges of embracing faith in recovery, whilst being a parent of small children. Rob reflects on his resistance to therapy, his biggest breakthroughs, and how his perspective on spirituality shifted over time.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with addiction, faith or anger following traumatic events, as well as for mental health professionals looking to better understand the lived experiences of their clients.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, share this episode and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health and resilience. This podcast supports NHS Charities Together, funding projects to improve healthcare for all. Donate the cost of a therapy session or whatever you can to help us reach our goal of £10,000 this year. Visit the link in the show notes to contribute!
Bessel van der Kolk (2014) - The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
Contact Beth Ashley-Smith:
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Discover shows related to Breaking Through Therapy, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
If you are in need of urgent assistance for your mental health, please contact your GP or GP Out of Hours number on 111, call 999 or attend your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department. If you are listening from overseas, please find out the local equivalent charities and government mental...
British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine - https://bant.org.uk
Minnesota Starvation Study (1944) by Ancel Keys demonstrates how starvation and food restriction in prison settings can lead to a lasting preoccupation with food.
Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice® - https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk
Lifespan Business Owner Support Squad (BOSS) Coaching - https://bosstoday.co.uk
Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin Profile - http://linkedin.com/in/dr-esther-cole-multi-award-winning-consultant-psychologist-3b8b0061
If you are in need of urgent assistance for your mental health, please contact your GP or GP Out of Hours number on 111, call 999 or attend your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department.
If you are listening from overseas, please find out the local equivalent charities and government mental health services in your country.
Theme Tune Credit: Bliss by Luke Bergs / bergscloud (No Copyright Music)
Your local Long COVID clinic can offer services such as counselling and psychotherapy, physiotherapy for lung rehabilitation, mindfulness groups and fatigue groups. Contact you GP for further information.
